ASEAN Halal Expo 2024

( AHEX24)

ASEAN Halal Pavilion

Halal Park Cambodia

The ASEAN Halal Roundtable Dialogue, held on 7 December 2024 in Kuala Lumpur, marked a pivotal moment for regional halal integration. With over 100 delegates from ASEAN, Pakistan, Turkey, China, and Mongolia, the event addressed issues like certification forgery, fragmented standards, and digitalisation.

Under Malaysia’ s 2025 ASEAN Chairmanship, key initiatives are now in motion, including the ASEAN Halal Secretariat’ s policy harmonisation efforts, a proposed central halal data system, and support for halal tourism, Islamic finance, and AI-driven startups.

Officiated by Datuk Seri Shamsul Iskandar Md Akin and closed by Deputy Minister of Religious Affairs, Dr Zulkifli Hasan, the dialogue championed inclusive governance and tech-driven growth. These outcomes are now shaping Malaysia’ s halal agenda, reinforcing ASEAN’ s vision of a unified, ethical, and high-impact halal economy. With the halal market projected to reach USD 5 trillion by 2030, ASEAN is positioning itself as a global halal leader.

The ASEAN Halal Expo 2024( AHEX24), which took place from 25 to 29 July 2024 in Pattani, Southern Thailand, exceeded its trade target of 100 million baht, solidifying its role in strengthening regional halal trade. More than 150 companies from across ASEAN participated, showcasing halal food, cosmetics, and franchising opportunities in both business-tobusiness and business-to-consumer formats.

The event was organised by UNITI Asia Link Sdn Bhd, One Stop Center Co Ltd, and ASEAN Mall. AHEX24 stood out by blending economic opportunity with cultural richness. Contributions from Malaysian businesses and academic support from Fatoni University and Prince of Songkhla University added a strong educational dimension.

Highlights included Jawi calligraphy, nasyid performances, and communitybased initiatives, transforming the expo into a celebration of Islamic heritage and ASEAN solidarity.

Launched by Tahira Group at MIHAS 2024 and officiated by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, the ASEAN Halal Pavilion has become a key driver of regional halal trade. As Malaysia chairs ASEAN in 2025, the Pavilion now serves as a hub for halal producers, logistics providers, and retailers aiming to expand across Southeast Asia.

Backed by ASEAN’ s 240 million Muslims and 15 per cent share of the global halal market, the Pavilion fosters innovation and cross-border collaboration. Active platforms include HalalHolidays. Asia( Muslimfriendly tourism), NilaiMart. com( regional halal marketplace), and a halal logistics aggregator for streamlined distribution.

Memorandums of Understanding with Vietnam, Thailand, Indonesia, and China continue to fuel cross-border initiatives, supporting economic resilience and humanitarian efforts in underserved regions. Under Malaysia’ s leadership, the Pavilion champions inclusive growth, sustainability, and Islamic values, solidifying ASEAN’ s role in the global halal economy.

Phnom Penh is charting new territory in the halal sector with the launch of Halal Park Cambodia, which aims to tap into the US $ 4.7 trillion global halal market. Backed by the WorldBridge Group and supported by the Cambodian government, this smart park will focus on halal-certified small and medium enterprises, central kitchens, and modern technology such as artificial intelligence and blockchain to ensure quality and compliance.

Although Muslims make up only two per cent of Cambodia’ s population, the initiative highlights ASEAN’ s growing role in shaping the global halal economy. Inspired by Malaysia and Indonesia’ s established halal ecosystems, Cambodia’ s move aligns with regional efforts to empower Muslim communities, attract foreign investment, and promote ethical, hygienic, and faith-based consumer goods.

The park, located in the free trade zone of Kandal Province, symbolises not only industrial growth but also a broader Islamic economic awakening within ASEAN, solidifying the region’ s status as a halal innovation hub.